On the source of carbon footprint in the chemical industry
In today's world, the study of carbon footprint in the chemical industry is more and more important. Chemists, the process is complicated, and everything can cause the source of carbon footprint.
First look at the use of raw materials. The use and production of chemical raw materials often involves energy consumption. Such as fossil fuels, the use of mechanical power is required. In the process, the combustion of fuel oil causes carbon dioxide emissions, which is one of the sources of carbon footprint. And the refining of raw materials also requires energy. The techniques of heating and separation are all based on energy. The production of energy depends on thermal power, etc. The generation of thermal power, the burning of coal and carbon emissions, are tired of carbon footprint.
Second inspection of the production process. The operation of chemical production equipment requires high energy consumption. The constant temperature of the reactor and the feeding of the pump all depend on energy supply. If energy is supplied by traditional energy sources, carbon emissions will be high. And during production, the reaction process may have by-products, and some by-products gas contains carbon, which escapes in the air, resulting in increased carbon emissions. For example, some oxidation reactions, in addition to the main production, also have by-products such as carbon dioxide. If it is not handled properly, it will enter the atmosphere and add to the carbon footprint.
Furthermore, the transportation and storage of chemical products cannot be ignored. Products are transported to various places, by land by car, by water by ship, and by air by plane, all rely on energy. Fuel vehicles, boats, and gas engines generate continuous carbon emissions during operation, forming the source of carbon footprint. And in the storage of products, if you need to control the temperature and humidity of the environment, the energy consumption of equipment also causes carbon emissions.
Last word on waste disposal. Chemical waste contains a lot of carbon, and the method of disposal is either burning or burying. During incineration, carbon is burned and carbon dioxide is generated, which is directly discharged into the atmosphere. Landfill, although slow, but waste degradation, there are also greenhouse gases generated, which are tired of carbon footprint.
In general, in the chemical industry, from raw materials to the end of the product, the source of carbon footprint is extensive. To reduce carbon emissions, it is necessary to plan for all sources, research new energy, excellent technology, and good management, so as to reduce carbon emissions and improve the environment, which is a sustainable way today.